Factors influencing cervical cancer symptom help-seeking behavior: a qualitative study from a social ecological perspective.

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the major public health problems that seriously jeopardizes women's health ranking as the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer. China is the second country with the heaviest burden of cervical cancer in the world. In recent years, help-seeking behavior related to cancer symptoms has gradually attracted increasing attention. However, in China, no studies have explored cervical cancer patients' help-seeking behavior. This study aimed to examine the influencing factors of symptom seeking behaviors in patients with cervical cancer to provide an effective basis for achieving early diagnosis and treatment and improving the treatment outcomes of patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS

This qualitative study utilized a descriptive research design, and cervical cancer patients hospitalized in a tertiary first-class hospital in Beijing from March to May 2025 were selected as the research objects. Using a social ecological model as the theoretical framework, semistructured in-depth interviews were used to collect data, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.

RESULTS

Three main themes and ten subthemes were identified, covering individual, interpersonal, and environmental-policy levels, including disease knowledge, health beliefs, symptom appraisal, family and social support, economic constraints, stigma, and healthcare system factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical cancer symptom help-seeking behavior is influenced by multilevel factors across individual, interpersonal, and systemic domains. Targeted interventions addressing knowledge gaps, social support, and healthcare accessibility may promote earlier help-seeking and improve outcomes.